A HAMPSHIRE woman who suffers from epilepsy ran the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise vital funds for charity.

Interior designer Helena Impett braved record temperatures to complete the 26.2-mile route in four hours and 51 minutes.

Now Helena is on course to raise more than £2,500 for Epilepsy Action.

The 43-year-old mum from Milford on Sea said: "I've had epilepsy for 22 years so this cause is very close to my heart.

"When I was first diagnosed Epilepsy Action helped my family and I to understand the condition and also gave me invaluable support when we wanted to start a family."

More than 40,000 runners took part in the marathon, which saw temperatures reach 24.1C.

Helena said: “The course was tough at times but knowing I was running for such a fantastic cause really helped me focus on reaching the finish.

"The crowds cheering me on were brilliant."

Xanthe Hopkinson, of Epilepsy Action, added: “Congratulations to Helena on such an amazing achievement.

"To have trained so hard during the long winter months and then cross the finish line at the hottest London Marathon ever is even more incredible.

"The atmosphere on the day was exhilarating and all of our runners have collectively helped us to raise more than £45,000 to support people with epilepsy.

"Their efforts are hugely appreciated and mean we can continue to be there when people need us most.”

Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK. More than 600,000 people are living with the condition and 87 new cases diagnosed every day.

Epilepsy Action aims to improve the lives of sufferers by campaigning for better services and raising awareness of the condition.

People with the condition die on average eight years earlier than the rest of the population, according to new figures from Public Health England.